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Bait. B 3U6ih F. A., 77th Uiv. 



HILL AND VALE 

By 
Rev. Claude Shryock Tritt 



Printed for the Author by 

THE ABINGDON PRESS 

CINCINNATI, OHIO 






Copyright, 1920, by 

Claude Shn'ock Tritt 

Sparta, 111. 



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To the memory of 
Lieut. Herschel Cranston Tritt, 

my son, who was killed in action , 

at Cherry Chartreuve, France, 

while serving in Battery B 

306th Field Artillery, 77th 

Division, August 19, 

1918, this little volume 

is affectionately 

dedicated. 



PROLOGUE 

To exercise my mind awhile, 
Call forth a tear-drop or a smile, 
To contemplate things small or great. 
To increase love and decrease hate, 
To lift the weak or stir the strong, 
And thus to help someone along 
The rugged path of life's high-way; 
To lift the mist or clear away 
The clouds that darken someone's sky 
Or point a soul to heaven on high. 
Memorialize our loved and lost, 
Or of true service count the cost. 
But if this goal we cannot reach, 
(The wise we may not hope to teach) 
We may, perchance, leave here a thought. 
Which to some humble heart a draught 
Of living water prove to be. 
So with a prayer that some may see 
Within these leaves some real worth 
We send this little volume forth. 

The Author 



CONTENTS 



Page 

Lieut. Herschel Cranston Tritt Frontispiece 

Prologue 5 

Flag of Freedom 9 

In the Vale 

A Father's Tribute 10 

The Service Flag 12 

The Star that Turned to Gold 13 

A Soldier's Dirge 14 

Is There a Home ? 16 

To-Morrow I7 

Fate or Providence ? Ig 

Love Cannot Die 19 

Memory 20 

Comfort in Trouble 22 

The Voyage of Life 24 

Somewhere 26 

Hymns and Short Poems 

The Cleansing Fountain 27 

Love 28 

Worship 29 

Universal Peace 30 

A Brotherhood Hymn 32 

An Evening Hymn 34 

God's Love 35 

The Providence of God 37 

Christian Unity 33 



Page 

The Great Council 39 

Thou hast Died for Me 40 

Springtime in the Soul 42 

The Voyage 44 

A Missionary Hymn 46 

Lord of Life and Death 47 

Liberty, Sweet Liberty 48 

Miscellaneous 

Grace for the Commonplace 51 

The Ballot 52 

The Cloud of Darkness 54 

Holy Communion 55 

My Mother 56 

The Church Beautiful 58 

Matchless Love 59 

On the Death of a Christian 60 

On the Death of a Little Child 62 

On the Death of Rev. R. W. Laughlin and Wife 63 

On the Death of an Aged Christian 64 

1 Want to be a Soldier-Man 66 

The Unconquered Land 68 

To a Frog 70 

The Owl 72 

POSTLUDE 73 



Flag of Freedom 

Flag of freedom, glorious, true, 
New-born emblem kissed with dew — 
Dew from eyes In contemplation, 
Emblem of our heart's devotion. 

Your border stained all crimson red 
Is the blood that heroes shed 
In the cause of Liberty, 
And to end autocracy. 

With your field all gleaming white 
Tells of purity and right. 
High resolve and purpose true, 
Peace on earth, and freedom too. 

And your clustering stars of blue 
Tells of those, the brave and true. 
May the God of grace untold 
Suffer not one turn to gold. 



9] 



IN THE VALE 



A Father's Tribute 

Where, O where is the little lad 

I trotted on my knee? 
Such bright and laughing eyes he had, 

And heart so full of glee. 
He answers not my anxious call. 

Nor meets my careful glance. 
They tell me that they saw him fall 

On the battlefields of France. 

His heart beat true to freedom's need, 

The soul of honor he; 
The first to hear, the first to heed. 

And first across the sea. 
With valor death could not appall ; 

To his men he said "Advance! " 
They tell me that they saw him fall 

On the battlefields of France. 

At duty's post he could be found, 

He cowered not with fear, 
Though death lay thick upon the ground, 

And bursting shells were near. 
[101 



IN THE VALE 



For God and country he gave all 

To help our cause advance; 
They tell me that they saw him fall 

On the battlefields of France. 

Within that home where he has gone, 

Beyond the battle's strife, 
The land of joy and peace and song, 

In realms of endless life, 
Assured am I that all is well. 

His Captain said "Advance!" 
So up he went from where he fell 

On the battlefields of France. 

As valor's heroes we proclaim 

When ends this earthly strife. 
Reserve a space on the page of fame 

For those who gave their life. 
There are few that know, and none can tell 

By effort or by chance. 
The valor of those lads that fell 

On the battlefields of France. 



[11] 



IN THE VALE 



The Service Flag 

Flag of the brave, the noble, and free, 
The flag for you and the flag for me ; 
Emblem of valor and service too; 
Emblem of freedom, born anew. 
Glowing with love and true devotion 
For those brave lads across the ocean. 
Every star in your field so white 
Tells of a heart death cannot af right; 
Tells of a father's silent dread ; 
Tells of the tears a mother shed; 
Tells of the hopes of a nation bright; 
Tells of battles they must fight; 
Tells of the sacrifice we must make; 
Tells of a heart that's nigh to break. 
O flag in the window, thou flag of the free, 
Is the flag for you and the flag for me. 



12 



IN THE VALE 



The Star that Turned to Gold 

Kissed by the morning growing, 
Kissed by the noontide bold, 

Kissed by the evening glowing, 
Thou star that has turned to gold ! 

Shine on in thy valorous splendor, 
Shine on in thy wealth untold. 

Shine in our hearts made tender, 
Thou star that has turned to gold! 

By the light of thy wondrous beauty, 
By the beam of thy glorious ray. 

We see the pathway of duty 
Leading on to a glorious day. 

We will walk in the light of thy shining 
Though the blood of our hearts run 
cold; 

The pathway of duty finding, 

By the light of the star turned gold. 



13 



IN THE VALE 



A Soldier's Dirge 

Sleep, soldier, sleep; 

Sleep on and take thy rest. 
The evening shadows creep 

O'er earth's now peaceful breast. 

Chorus: 
Sleep, soldier, sleep; 

None shall disturb thy rest; 
May holy angels keep 
Thee safe among the blest! 

Hard was thy toil, 

And fierce the battle's sway; 
Thou didst the foeman foil 

And wrest from him the prey. 

Thou didst not see 

The haughty foeman bend; 
The strains of victory 

A thankful people lend. 

F141 



IN THE VALE 



The grass is green 

Above thy lonely mound; 
No marble shaft Is seen 

To mark the sacred ground. 

But nobler far 

The monument we raise, 
As sun outshines a star, 

Our songs of grateful praise. 



[151 



IN THE VALE 



Is There a Home? 

Is there a land of peace and rest 
From toil and sorrow free? 

A home where all the pure and blest 
Their Saviour's face may see? 

Is there a home where I may meet 
With those I've loved and lost? 

O is there not some fair retreat 
For souls when tempest tossed? 

O Sailor, tell me, as your bark 
Rides o'er the dashing foam, 

Is there one ray to pierce the dark, 
And guide us to that home? 

Then to that country I would go. 

Dear Saviour, bring me home. 
But daylight wanes, the sun is low, 

And lonely still I roam. 

Yes, in my Father's house above 
Where many mansions be, 

The Lord of Life, in boundless love, 
Prepares for them and me. 
[161 



IN THE VALE 



To- Morrow 

Is there no balm for wounded hearts? 

No healing portion given? 
When they've been pierced by sorrow's 
darts, 

Or storm and tempest driven? 

The highest joy our hearts can know, 

The same is true of sorrow, 
Whate'er may be our weal or woe, 

There could be no to-morrow. 

There is no weight in joy or pain, 

In glory or in sorrow. 
If in our hearts we hear the strains 

Of a changed or changing morrow. 

O! throbbing heart, be calm, be calm, 
Whate'er thy weight of sorrow. 

By faith I see a healing balm 
In God's eternal morrow. 



17 



IN THE VALE 



Fate or Providence? 

Did God make man with purpose high 
Place him in such condition 

That when he for his goal would try 
Fate mocked at his ambition? 

So seems to us when sorrows come 
And all our plans are broken, 

While standing with amazement dumb, 
Yet know that God has spoken. 

There is no fate — deaf, dumb, and blind- 
'Tis only God's kind Providence; 

'Tis but false notion in our mind ; 
Should not disturb our confidence. 

Fate's mocking is but God's intention 

To lead a human soul. 
And furnish him with inspiration 

To make a higher goal. 



18] 



IN THE VALE 



Love Cannot Die 

My soul asks not for gain or wealth, 

For social joys or fame, 
But just to meet my loved in health, 

And hear them call my name. 

0! Jesus can such wealth of love 
Be lost in death's embrace? 

No, I shall meet them all above 
And see them face to face. 



119) 



IN THE VALE 



Memory 

Across the vista of the years 

My lingering memory carries me; 

I hear the sighs and feel the tears, 
And sense the joys — no more to be. 

As 'round our home at evening time 
The wintry shadows thickly grew; 

The smoke from out our chimneys climb, 
Around the fire our chairs we drew. 

The toil of day is now forgot 

As the family circle gathers 'round; 

For peace and love there blessed our lot, 
No saddening shadows there were 
found. 

They've come and gone, those fleeting 
years 

With their music re-vibrative 
Each vibrant chord within our spheres 

Yields some joyous note or plaintive. 

[20] 



IN THE VALE 



The smoke yet from our chimneys climb, 
And thickly come the evening shades, 

And 'round the hearth at evening time 
The loved ones come, as daylight fades. 

Ah! Here's the joy and here's the pain 
Those mystic years to us have brought, 

For flowers bloom where some are lain 
Who drank with us life's joyous 
draught. 

The youngest maid and eldest son 
Sleep peacefully beneath the sod: 

In innocence her crown she won; 
From honor's field went he to God. 

Around our hearth two vacant chairs 
Their mute appeal our hearts remind 

That we must climb the golden stair 
Our home and loved ones there to find. 

Where'er I look, through memory's eye 
From lovelit circle to the sod. 

This earthly life doth touch the sky 
And point my pathway up to God. 
[211 



IN THE VALE 



Comfort in Trouble 

My heart bowed down in sadness, 
While waves of trouble roll; 

Billows of surging madness 
Appall my fainting soul, 

And fill my heart with fears, 

My eyes with bitter tears, 

But the words of Christ, my Saviour, 

My comfort now shall be. 

The grace of love forgotten 

In greedy passion's sway; 
The weak and poor downtrodden 

In beastly savagery. 
And hunger's piteous cry 
Is wafted to the sky; 
But the words of Christ, my Saviour, 
My comfort now shall be. 

He's faithful that has spoken, 

He'll surely come again 
To gather all His chosen 

From sorrow, death, and pain, 
[22] 



IN THE VALE 



And take them all above 

Where all is peace and love, 

And the words of Christ, my Saviour, 

My comfort now shall be. 

O Heart, then cease thy sighing, 

And wipe away thy tears, 
On His mighty word relying, 

Thou hence shall feel no fears; 
For the time Is drawing near 
When Jesus shall appear; 
And the words of Christ, my Saviour, 
My comfort now shall be. 



1231 



IN THE VALE 



The Voyage of Life 

My life is but a vessel fragile 
To sail upon life's troubled sea, 

Hope is her anchor, truth her sail. 
And heaven her glorious port to be. 

For chart I have God's holy Word, 
And conscience is my compass true. 

My Pilot, too, is Christ the Lord; 

His faithful hand will guide me through. 

Three perils doth my way beset. 

There's drifting, rocks, tempestuous 
gale, 

O Lord, may I then not forget 
As o'er life's perilous sea I sail. 

If I my chart will ponder well, 

My compass watch with jealous care. 

When I am drifting, these will tell, 

Will tell me when, and how, and where. 



24 



IN THE VALE 



Temptation's rocks the foam may hide, 
My eye their peril may not see, 

By chart and compass I may guide 
My fragile bark safely in their lea. 

Though winds may blow and storms may 
sweep 

I bravely face the angry gale, 
For hope is anchored sure and deep 

With that which is within the vale. 

Sail on, my bark, o'er trackless deep. 
And lurk, ye rocks, beneath the foam, 

And blow, ye storms, and o'er me sweep ; 
My Pilot's hand will guide me home. 

O'er charted seas I onward sail. 

No troubling fears disturb my way; 

I'll anchor soon within the vale. 

When night has turned to perfect day. 

More loudly now the breakers roar; 

I'm drawing near that heavenly land; 
My eager eyes now sight the shore. 

Behold yon heavenly waiting band! 
[251 



IN THE VALE 



Somewhere 

Somewhere the cares of Hfe will cease, 
Somewhere the soul shall find sweet peace, 
Sometime, somewhere, how sweet 'twill 

be! 
My blessed Saviour's face I'll see. 

Chorus: 

O! Then my Saviour's face I'll see 
And with my loved ones I shall be. 
Sometime, somewhere, a joy divine 
Shall dwell within this heart of mine. 

Somewhere the night will turn to day, 
Somewhere the shadows pass away, 
Somewhere I'll lean on Jesus' breast. 
Somewhere this aching heart find rest. 

Somewhere our tears will all be dried, 
Somewhere in joy and peace abide. 
Somewhere upon a fairer shore. 
Our loved ones meet to part no more. 

[26] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



The Cleansing Fountain 

O! Where can rest be found, 
From all this grief and pain? 

My heart is sad, my soul bowed down 
With awful sin and shame. 

My search has proved in vain, 
Despair has seized my heart; 

The awful anguish of my pain 
Seems more than one man's part. 

O! Lead me to that Fount 
Where I may freely cleanse 

The foul pollution that I count 
My poor, sad heart now rends. 

O! Soul plunge in that flood, 
That stream from Calvary; 

It is the Saviour's precious blood 
That bears thy sin away. 

And now, to Christ be praise, 

My guilty heart is free ; 
My foul pollution washed away: 

Christ Jesus died for me. 

[271 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Love 

'Tis love that finds that love divine, 

As life the light doth meet, 
And human love, though not sublime. 

Infinite love doth meet. 

God plants within these hearts of clay 

The seed of love divine. 
His grace doth water day by day 

The tender, helpless vine. 

This vine at last from earth shall climb, 

Entwined with that above, 
To never-ending heights sublime: 

A unity of love. 

O ! Christ, do Thou this heart of mine 
Prepare with showers of grace, 

That love from out this stony climb 
May meet Thee face to face. 



[28] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Worship 

To God, our Father, now we raise 
Our holy hymns of loftiest praise; 
But O! What soul can reach the strain? 
What mortal verse reveal Thy fame? 

Tune Thou our hearts to loftiest songs, 
For highest praise to Thee belongs ; 
Touch Thou our lips with coals of fire 
And make them chord with heavenly lyre. 

To Thee, all-glorious above, 

We offer now our deepest love; 

Accept this humble sacrifice. 

And count it now our righteousness. 

Our sacrifice Thou now dost own, 
Assurance send us from Thy throne; 
Thou dost respond to our desire 
And send the flaming tongues of fire. 



29 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Universal Peace 

Great God, attend, we now entreat, 
And grant the boon our hearts implore; 

The prayer that we so oft repeat. 
That war shall cease and be no more. 

The earth no more be stained with blood, 
Which from the days of sinful Cain 

Hath flowed a great, increasing flood, 
And cursed the world with untold pain. 

Doth not the blood from Calvary's brow 
Suffice for all the sins of man? 

Then stay the hand that sheds it now; 
Send peace and thus fulfill Thy plan. 

Speak Thou the word of calm command 
That stilled the angry, raging deep; 

Bid armies, then, for aye disband 

That earth the promised peace may 
keep. 

[30] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Bid heaven and earth proclaim that song 
By shepherds heard o'er Bethlehem, 

And bid men join the angel throng 
In "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." 



31 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



A Brotherhood Hymn 

Arouse, ye heavenly patriots, 

And to His colors bring 
The strength of Christian manhood, 

For Christ, our royal king. 
Then sound aloud the bugle 

Above the roar and din 
Of earthly strife and carnage, 

For right the day must win. 

To Armageddon marching 

See now the crafty foe; 
But Christ Himself will lead us 

As we to battle go. 
Then to the mighty conflict, 

Under His banner true, 
And deeds of royal courage 

Each soldier now must do. 

Then strengthen your defenses, 
Fierce will the battle sway, 

For this the final conflict, 
And this the glorious day, 
[321 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 

When Christ His final vic'try 
Shall o'er the foeman win, 

And those who triumph with Him 
Shall conquer every sin. 

Who to the end endureth 

A crown of life shall wear; 
A victor's crown becometh 

Him, who the cross did bear. 
At last the worthy vet'rans, 

Who in the conflict stood 
Shall all unite in heaven 

A happy Brotherhood. 



[SS] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



An Evening Hymn 

Softly fades the twilight ray 
Of the holy Sabbath Day; 
May we in this hour of praise 
Witness wonders of Thy grace. 
May the gospel here resound 
And with holy truth abound 
Till the wills of men shall yield 
And the cleansing Spirit feel. 

May this Sabbath evening hold 
Memories dearer far than gold; 
May the glories of this hour 
Ever hence reveal Thy power, 
By Thy vie' try over sin 
And Thy cleansing grace within, 
Do Thou, all our hearts relieve; 
We the double cure receive. 



341 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 

Here by faith we fain would taste 
The sweet rapture of Thy grace; 
May Thy presence meet us here 
In that love that casts out fear, 
May we now commune with Thee, 
Blessed holy Trinity, 
Fairest of the heavenly host 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 



135] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



God's Love 

Thy wisdom, O my God, doth shine, 

In earth and sky so free, 
But O! Thy love, Thy love divine, 

That love that reaches me. 

Thy power the starry hosts reveal. 

Reflected in the sea; 
Thy love alone our wounds can heal- 

It now enfoldeth me. 

Thy wisdom, power, and glory, too. 

In nature I may see; 
This only can my heart subdue — 

Thy love that reaches me. 

Of all Thy attributes divine 
That man may freely see, 

This one alone doth man decline, 
Thy love that reaches me. 



[36] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



The Providence of God 

O God, our everlasting head, 
In grief or pain, or guilty dread — 
To Thee, in humble penitence 
We now may come in confidence. 

Thou hast reserved within Thy power 
Our joys and sorrows, hour by hour; 
Thou knowest now each throbbing heart; 
In joy or grief. Thou hast a part. 

Thy word doth true assurance give, 
In whatsoever lot we live; 
All things for good, in sweet accord, 
Will work for those who love the Lord. 

Our faith to Law we do not seal, 
Which cannot see or cannot feel; 
But Thou, O Living God above. 
Art wisdom, power, truth, and love. 



[37] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Christian Unity 

Blest be that union sweet, 
When in Thy house we meet, 

In sweet accord; 
To dwell in unity, 
Pray in sincerity, 
Behold Thy majesty. 

Within Thy word. 

To Thee, O God above, 
We offer here our love. 

In prayer and praise. 
May we Thy word believe, 
Thy spirit here receive. 
Do Thou our fears relieve, 

Through endless days. 

Break Thou, dear Lord, we pray 
The Bread of Life to-day; 

And faithfully 
May all Thy truth be told; 
Thy wondrous power unfold, 
And we Thy face behold 

Eternally. 

[381 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



The Great Council 

Could we, like Peter, James, and John, 

The mountain top ascend. 
Behold the Council of renown 

Which mighty things portend. 

There Moses and Elijah came. 

With Christ, a Trinity; 
A council unsurpassed in fame, 

A glorious company. 

One topic did their speech command, 

As they together spake; 
The sacrifice, that long was planned, 

To save for His name's sake. 

And as they spake His countenance 

With blinding glory shone. 
And God, from heaven, did announce 

"This My Beloved Son." 

We fain upon the mountain's brow 
Would still abide with Thee; 

But lo! Within the valley now 
A helpless sufferer's plea! 
[39] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Thou hast Died for Me 

Dark in the garden 

Where the massive olives stand, 
Goes now our Sovereign 

With His Httle band. 
Lonely, now, and weary 

With the labors of the day, 
With burden so dreary 

He kneels there to pray. 

Chorus : 

Jesus, dear Jesus, 

Thou hast made Thy off'ring free 
Jesus, dear Jesus, 

Thou hast died for me. 

Through dark boughs shining 

Fell the pale moon's silvery light, 

As for Him pining, 
On that solemn night. 



[40] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 

His disciples sleeping 

Did not feel His load of woe 
Nor the vigil keeping 

By the crafty foe. 

Bearing the mocking 

Of the cruel, jeering throng; 
Answering nothing, 

Suffering fearful wrong. 
Patiently receiving 

All the curses of the law, 
And the judge confessing 

There in Him no flaw. 

Then to the mountain. 

Weary, fainting He did go; 
There ope'd the fountain 

With its cleansing flow. 
While the mountains. shaking, 

And in darkness God did hide, 
And the rocks were breaking, 

As the Saviour died. 



[41] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Springtime in the Soul 

As showers upon the thirsty ground 
When nature's pleading call is heard, 

So may, O Lord ! Thy grace abound 
And living power in hearts be stirred. 

As flowers deck the shady dale. 

When spring old winter's frosts replace. 

So deeds of love and kindness hale 
Thy soul refreshing showers of grace. 

Let passion's wintry blasts subside. 
And tender flowers of grace appear. 

In every good with need divide. 
And sympathy for every tear. 

How desolate would be the fields 

Without the springtime's cheerful 
bloom! 

How dreary life, if it should yield 
Alone the somber fruits of gloom! 

[42] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Then blow, ye breezes, soft and low 
Across these icy hearts of ours. 

Yea, melt the ice, and melt the snow. 
And bring the lovely springtime flowers. 

O! May these flowers, within our hearts, 
Their sweetest perfume now send forth, 

And by the sweetness they impart 
With heavenly nectar fill the earth ! 



[43] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



The Voyage 

Let sorrow's deepest billows roll, 
And stormy tempests blow, 

My Pilot still the helm will hold, 
And safe my bark will go. 

Though angry waves around me break, 
While lowering clouds appear. 

And hidden rocks within my wake, 
My soul doth know no fear. 

Though darkest shadows of the night 
Their fancied horrors bring. 

My Pilot always doeth right, 
Then faith can calmly sing. 

Serenely on through storm and tide. 

While fearful billows roll. 
My little bark will safely glide. 

And I shall reach my goal. 



[44] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



While still the trackless path I hold 
For my cherished port afar, 

I through the rifted cloud behold 
A bright and beaming star. 

Its light reveals the heavenly land; 

The fearful rocks are past; 
My bark has pressed the golden strand, 

I've anchored safe at last! 



[451 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



A Missionary Hymn 

Go forth, ye gospel heralds, 
Ye heaven-anointed band, 

And spread your joyful carols 
Within each sin-cursed land. 

Your Master bids you hasten 
The joyful news to bring 

To native land and heathen, 
The message of your King. 

Though Satan may oppose you. 
And fiery trials assail, 

Your Master walks beside you; 
Ye must not, cannot fail. 

Heed not the blasts of winter 
Or summer's scorching sun. 

Nor hesitate nor falter 
Until your task is done. 

A King His regal mission 
Has trusted to your hand; 

Then haste to every Nation 
And compass sea and land. 

[461 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 

Lord of Life and Death 

Within a dark and somber tomb 

The Lord of Life was laid, 
Bright angels from the heavenly home 

Their holy vigil made. 

Within that lowly rock-hewn cave 

They wrestled till the day 
And Death to Life the victory gave — 

The stone was rolled away. 

The Mighty Conqueror burst His bands 
And conquered death for me, 

His pierced side and nail-marked hands 
Proclaim His victory. 

Then wing the news to every land : 

He is not here, but risen 1 
Let gloom be driven from every strand 

Since Christ has ope'd the prison. 

O! Shout for joy, ye sons of men. 
And cease your earthly strife, 

For Christ is now, as He was then, 
Lord both of Death and Life. 

[47] 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 



Liberty, Sweet Liberty 

For war the despot's hordes are trained, 

Liberty, sweet Liberty. 
Imperiled is thy gentle reign, 

Liberty, sweet liberty. 
Then grasp thy trusty blade of steel, 
May not thy heart one tremor feel. 
Thy loyal sons shall guard thy weal, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

Behold the tyrant's ruthless sway, 

Liberty, sweet liberty. 
Thy gleaming sword his hand must stay, 

Liberty, sweet liberty. 
Remember Belgium's cruel wrong, 
Remember France's slaughtered throng, 
And Britain's call in prose and song, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

Then wake, ye sons of Freedom's soil. 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

And not for power, or not for spoil, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 
[481 



HYMNS AND SHORT POEMS 

Thou'll't strike the monster with thy 

might 
And put the boastful Huns to flight 
And show the world that ''Right is 

Might", 

Liberty, sweet liberty. 

From north to south, from east to west, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

Thy loyal sons shall never rest, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

Until Democracy shall reign. 

And all thy enemies are slain. 

And victory shall swell thy strain, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

The God of Right thy leader be, 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

So shalt thou reign from sea to sea. 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 

Ye sons of Freedom, raise a prayer; 

'Twill help in victory "Over there". 

And glorious garlands thou shalt wear. 
Liberty, sweet liberty. 
[491 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Grace for the Commonplace 

Elijah on the mount found grace 

A host of Baal's priests to face, 

But when the throng had ceased to rave 

He hid within a shrinker's cave. 

Lord, give me grace for plodding days. 
The toilsome task, the weary ways, 
Uncheered by friends, or glad applause. 
Inspired alone by noble cause. 

The pulseless soul may strong appear 
While shouts of tumult reach his ear. 
But O! The lonely, lowly task! 
'Tis grace for this, my Lord, I ask. 

My heart can with the eagle fly 
'Mid stirring battle, do or die, 
But O! For grace, my feet to stay 
Within life's lonely, dusty way. 

While others ask for glorious sign. 
Or for applause of hosts may pine, 
Give me the courage, power and grace 
To bear the test of Commonplace. 
[511 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The Ballot 

Columbia's sons will gather 

From valley, plain, and hill. 
From forest, prairie, and hether 

To register their will. 
With kingly mien and splendor, 

Ye stalwart sons arise, 
And to your country render > 

The wealth of your franchise; 
Come, mount your thrones, ye freemen, 

And each your scepter bring. 
For unto you is given 

To reign — an uncrowned king. 

The power of thy scepter 

Is felt across the sea, 
'Mid thrones of royal splendor, 

Thy throne shall loftier be. 
You inherited your kingdom. 

As sons of noble birth. 
Through the valor of thy kindred, 

The knightliest race of earth. 

[52] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Then in mercy, truth, and wisdom 

Thy scepter thou shalt wield 
Till earth shall feel thy freedom 

And wrong to right shall yield. 
To every sin-cursed nation 

Thy freedom thou must bring 
Till man in every station 

Shall reign an uncrowned king. 



I53j 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The Cloud of Darkness 

The bitter pains that Christ did bear, 

His lonely agony, 
The burden of man's guilt and care 

Were borne upon the tree. 

Oh! Not in anger, not in wrath. 

Did God the heavens veil 
As Jesus trod death's lonely path 

While angry mobs assail. 

While Jesus hanged upon the tree 
The darkness veiled the skies 

That God, the Father, might not see 
His anguish as He dies. 

For who could look upon that scene. 

With tender heart of love? 
The cloud of darkness came to screen 

The Father's eye above. 

The darkness that came o'er the sky 

Was for the Father's sake. 
For if the Father saw Him die 

The heart of God would break! 

[541 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Holy Communion 

This holy bread I humbly break 

In deep humility, 
In sweet remembrance thus I take 

Thy body broke for me. 

And of this cup I now partake, 
Thy blood so rich, and free, 

A full atonement thus to make 
For guilty souls like me. 

Lord, help me in this sacrament 

Sincerely to discern 
The precious boon, by heaven sent, 

Thy death till Thou return. 

That by this Holy Feast, O Lord ! 

My soul may nourished be 
Until all come, in sweet accord, 

To dwell in peace with Thee. 



55 



MISCELLANEOUS 



My Mother 

Fond memory brings to me a face 

Of one, to me most dear, 
Whose loving heart, and gentle grace, 

Once charmed away my fear. 
Resplendent with love's beauteous ray, 

'Twas beauteous as no other. 
The idol of my childhood days, 

The face of my dear mother. 

Within the chambers of my soul 

A sweet voice echoes still, 
With cadence sweet its billows roll 

And joy my heart doth fill. 
No sweeter voice e'er stirred my heart, 

Of friend, or sister, brother. 
No kinder words could they impart. 

Than those of my dear mother. 

No earthly friend have I e'er known 
With greater wealth of love. 

Nor with more constant fervor shown. 
Than she that's now above. 
[56] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Oh ! Loving heart, that yearned o'er me 

When I could love no other, 
My constant love I still give thee, 

My own, dear sainted mother. 

Those weary hands that wrought for me, 

Within my youthful days, 
Greater reward shall bring to thee, 

And greater mead of praise, 
By service that these hands of mine 

Shall give unto another, 
In memory of the service thine 

Hath wrought for me, dear mother. 

That face, that voice, that heart, that 
hand 

My memory still enthrall 
Until in yon bright heavenly land 

I hear my Saviour's call. 
I'll gladly go to meet Him there 

And with Him is another. 
Whose face to me is wondrous fair, 

My precious, angel mother. 

[57] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The Church Beautiful 

'Tis not the stately wall or dome 

Nor richly chiming bell, 
Not these, alone, can make a home 

Where God would dain to dwell. 

The weary traveler, weak and lone. 
Slept peacefully on the ground. 

By thought divine made desert stone 
A house where God was found. 

'Tis not in boasted song or prayer 

Nor builder's art applied, 
But where devotion fills the air 

That God is glorified. 



58 



MISCELLANEOUS 



O Matchless Love 

O matchless love, how sweet thou art ! 

That stooped to share a sinner's woe. 
Happy the thought I share a part, 

Thy boundless pardon now to know. 

No measure can my guilt compute, 
No mortal can its bounds declare; 

Angelic hosts, with wonder mute, 

That God with man such love should 
share. 

My guilt, though great, does not surpass 
The measure of redeeming grace. 

Thy boundless love will yet embrace 
The last of Adam's sinful race. 

O matchless love, O grace divine, 

How can my tongue thy grace declare. 

Look thou within this heart of mine, 
O Jesus, Thou canst read it there. 



59] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



On the Death of a Christian 

The shades of evening darken 
The golden sunset's gleam, 
The mist of the river tells me 
I've reached the silent stream. 
The boatman pale, 
With shadowy sail. 
Has come to bear me home. 

The loved ones who still linger 

Within the vale of tears, 
I hope to meet them yonder 
In the rolling sea of years. 
By faith pursue 
The journey through 
To reach the shining shore. 

The grief and pain and sorrow 

Of weary days gone by, 
I leave them now forever 

For a glorious home on high. 

[60] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



For joy is ever 
And pain is never 
Found on that shining shore. 

With tend 'rest words of parting 

To those I love most dear, 
As my trembling feet are planted 
In that bark, which seemed so drear. 
Then out with the tide 
And onward I glide 
To reach that golden shore. 



[61] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



On the Death of a Little Child 

A gleam from out the darkness, 
A light from the boundless deep, 

It paused a moment in kindness, 
Then left us here to weep. 

God will these sunbeams gather 

And store them all above 
In that home of wondrous splendor — 

That Paradise of Love. 

lie ^ ^ H: 4: ^ 



The pond'rous cycles of our God 

Move swifter than the hours of man; 

And moments, by His measuring rod, 
Fulfilling centuries in His plan. 



62] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



On the Death of 
Rev. R. W. Laughlin and Wife 

Ye weary pilgrims, rest awhile 

Within your lowly bed, 
From which your Saviour hath beguiled 

The fear that death had fed. 

As gently sinks the sun to rest 
When a summer day is done, 

Doth thou recline in Jesus' breast, 
Thy glorious race is run. 

Thy feet have trod life's rugged path. 

Thy conflicts now are past. 
You've fought the fight, you've kept the 
faith 

And lo! You're crowned at last. 



63 



MISCELLANEOUS 



On the Death 
of an Aged Christian 

I linger on the shores of time 

And see my friends depart, 
Across the dark and mystic line 

I see each loved bark start. 

So one by one my friends depart 

Across the mystic sea, 
And leave transfixed my wond'ring heart 

In solemn reverie. 

Until, alas! I stand alone 

On the shifting sands of Time, 

For all the friends that I have known 
Have crossed the mystic line. 

O come, thou silent messenger. 
Come with thy phantom sail, 

I, too, would be thy passenger; 
I'll brave the stormy gale. 



64 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The shores of time doth now recede; 

I'm gHding o'er the water; 
My Pilot's face assureth me 

The dawn will bring the harbor. 

Lo! now the mist has cleared away; 

My bark the shore is nearing; 
With joyous heart I calmly pray 

My landing may be cheering. 



65 



MISCELLANEOUS 



I Want to be a Soldier- Man 

I want to be a soldier-man 
And help to fight for Uncle Sam. 
Mamma says I'm not old enough, 
Though papa says I'm awful tough; 
I want to march when the companies 

form 
And have a gun and uniform, 
And follow the flag up and down 
When it goes through the streets of town. 

I want to be a soldier-man 
And help to fight for Uncle Sam 
And wear a cap and suit of blue 
And show the folks what I can do. 
But papa says 'tis just as brave 
To help this nation now to save, 
To take a hoe and do what I can 
To raise some food for the soldier-man. 



[66] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



For uniform give me blue overall, 

In them I can stand up straight and tall, 

For weapons give me hoe and seeds 

And all the things a farmer needs, 

A piece of ground for practice and drill, 

Then a soldier's place I'll surely fill. 

Now tell me, reader, if you can, 

Am I not a real soldier- man? 



[67] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The Unconquered Land 

(A graduating poem) 

Our bark has touched an unknown land, 

A vernal shore inclining; 
A land where stately mountains stand, 

With flowing rivers winding. 
Rich valleys of uncounted worth 

With massive forests hoary, 
And treasure stored deep in the earth, 

Some sparkling gems of glory. 

Who dares to enter in this land 

To reap its golden treasure 
Must have a sturdy heart and hand. 

And patience without measure. 
For every valley has a hill, 

And every hill a valley, 
For every good there is an ill, 

So mirth is purchased sadly. 

This land is for the brave and true. 
Not cowards or not sluggards, 

Who conquers it must dare and do, 
Not dream or idly slumber; 

[68] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The sweat alone of honest toil 

Rich harvests are repaying, 
So will we reap with courage royal, 

On God and self relying. 

We banish every base desire, 

And every selfish pleasure; 
Press forward, then, through flood and fire 

To seize its golden treasure. 
Maintaining our integrity, 

All foolish fears deriding, 
Our counsel keep with dignity, 

Tn God and self confiding. 

We'll conquer then this goodly land 

And seize its golden treasure; 
By patient toil with heart and hand 

Its goodness we will measure. 
And whatsoever mete for praise 

Angelic tongues are voicing. 
We then shall have, through endless days, 

In God and self rejoicing. 



[69] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



To a Frog 

Mornin', little hop-toad, where have 

you stayed, 
All winter long, in sunshine and shade? 
O! That is your secret, do you say? 
Spose you've quarters for which you 

do not pay. 
All right then, just keep your secret well, 
But you needn't fear me, for I wouldn't 

tell. 

We have missed you now for quite a while 
As wintry winds the snow high piled. 
We really wondered if you were dead. 
We found you not in field or shed. 
In grassy plot or beside the pond 
Where oft in summer you were found. 

But here you come, hopping by my door. 
As you used to in days of yore. 
You look so wise as you blink your eye; 
Your coat is stained with nature's dye. 

[70] 



MISCELLANEOUS 



Full down to your knees your green 

pants go, 
With black mits covering each finger 

and toe. 

You're a wise old froggy, Fm sure that 

you are. 
Your home must be in land afar 
Where old winter's winds are never heard, 
The land of flowers and singing bird. 
How came you so soon, from that land 

afar? 
Did you float on the breeze or ride on 

a star? 

You mock me, you croaker, please do tell, 
You look so hearty and so well; 
I know you have not hopped so far, 
'Cause such a hop your health would mar. 
There you go without saying a word, 
As if my questions were absurd. 



[711 



MISCELLANEOUS 



The Owl 
A wise old owl sat on a tree 
Stately and solemn all day long, 
One mournful call, his only song, 
Who-who, who-he. 

He had prowled about all night you see, 
Gathering his food from field and fen, 
A rabbit, a mouse, or a nice fat hen, 
Who-who, who-he. 

Quite proudly now he sits in the tree, 
If you disturb his slumbers or cross his will, 
He will rustle his feathers and pop his bill, 
Who-who, who-he. 

You're a thief, sir, 'tis plain to me; 
You seek your food under cover of night. 
One answer he gives, then shuts his eyes 
tight, 

Who-who, who-he. 

He's surely as naughty as ever can be. 
Though of all sins, he's guilty of half 
He will look in your eye, and boldly laugh, 
Who-who, who-he. 

[721 



Postlude 

Dear reader, if this book has been 

Unworthy of your reading, 
Remember, that one fact within 

Its pages is redeeming. 

Perhaps upon that fact alone 

Will rest its greatest merit. 
(We may not reap where we've not sown. 

So we with patience bear it.) 

The fact to which we here allude 

With greatest certainty, 
You surely will with us conclude, 

Is just its brevity. 

With this apology we close 

This book of varied rhyme. 
It is the way that we have chose 

To use our leisure time. 



